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Tracy Raz wins the Kasten Supporting Cast Award June 1, 2012

At Baird, we pride ourselves on the exemplary team effort that creates great outcomes for our clients. The annual Kasten Supporting Cast Award celebrates associates who showcase that spirit of teamwork. There is no more prestigious honor that a Baird associate can receive for outstanding client service than the G. Frederick Kasten, Jr. Award.

As Registered Client Relationship Specialist with the Kiessel Rivard Group in our Traverse City, Mich., branch, Tracy Raz is known for always rising to any challenge.

New to the financial services industry when she joined the firm in 1996 as an administrative assistant, she quickly studied to become registered at the earliest opportunity. Since then, she has earned multiple licenses and certifications – including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification. She applies this same discipline and commitment to every new opportunity that comes her way.

Randy Kiessel, Senior Investment Consultant, says, “Whether it is learning new software or heading up any one of many firm initiatives, she is always striving to achieve the goals she sets for herself, and encourages those around her to do the same. She is so passionate about training and mentoring that she volunteered her own time to work on posting an online manual for CRAs on BairdWeb. We are very proud of her.”

The breadth of her knowledge leads Tracy’s clients, both internal and external, to see her as the go-to person for just about everything.

“Tracy is a valuable team member,” says Heather Blanton-Dykstra, Financial Planner. “Tracy’s passion for both her job and her clients drives her to give nothing but top-notch service. She is always willing to pitch in to help others, and her attention to detail allows others in the office to feel confident that she will always deliver, no matter the challenge.”

Last year, Tracy joined forces with Branch Manager Ed Schindler to meaningfully manage office expenses without impacting client service. “This was a difficult undertaking for a small branch like ours,” says Ed. “Tracy helped manage our relationship with the landlord to bring costs down, and she spearheaded our Go Green Project, helping us save on postage and office materials.” Tracy didn’t stop there. Ed adds, “She even handled the cleaning of the office, trash removal, and landscaping to help save costs!” And she does it all with a smile on her face, a funny anecdote to share, and a constant willingness to help her fellow associates.

Tracy’s positive attitude was noted by many of her colleagues who nominated her for the Branch Associate All Star Award, which she received at this year’s PWM Toast of Baird celebration. “She can take any situation and find the good in it,” Randy noted. “Whether the markets are down or a big deadline is looming, she is great at coaching internal and external clients and helping them be more optimistic.”

Stacey Mills, a Public Finance Financial Analyst in the Traverse City office, couldn’t agree more. “Tracy is truly wonderful, professionally and personally,” Stacey said. “She is a major factor in why our branch gets things done. She has the background and wisdom to help everyone do their jobs. In the best sense, she is the glue that keeps things together.”

Jodi Ristau, PWM Best Practices Manager, summed it up this way: “Tracy is a tremendous asset to her clients, her team and her branch. We know she truly goes above and beyond on behalf of Baird.”

Tracy Raz (center) won the Kasten Supporting Cast Award. Her husband, Bruce, and

her daughter, Brittany (right) were on hand, as were Tracy’s parents, Virginia and John (left).

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